Complete List of Significant Deaths in Onyx Storm

Warning: SPOILERS ahead for Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros.

Character Deaths in Onyx Storm

While the death toll in Onyx Storm is notably lower than its predecessors in the Empyrean Series, the emotional weight of the losses resonates profoundly. Unlike the brutal finales of both Fourth Wing and Iron Flame, which were marked by significant character deaths, Onyx Storm takes a different approach to evoke sorrow. The book features close calls, such as Garrick’s poisoning and Mira’s life-threatening injury, yet many beloved characters survive the journey through this third installment.

The story’s ultimate heartbreak centers on Xaden’s transformation into a full-fledged venin, shattering the readers’ hopes for his character. Additionally, Violet’s devastating discovery about numerous casualties following the climactic battle hints at even greater losses than initially revealed. Although this installment lacks a major sacrifice akin to Liam or General Sorrengail’s sacrifices, Rebecca Yarros maintains a high level of tension by incorporating multiple supporting character deaths throughout the 500+ pages, ensuring that stakes remain elevated and readers are kept on the edge of their seats.

7. Professor Grady

Demise by Fire

The special editions of Fourth Wing, Onyx Storm, and Iron Flame against a fiery background — Custom Image by Ana Nieves

Professor Grady is assigned to lead the mission for locating Fourth Wing’s seventh breed of dragon, but tragically, he does not survive to reunite Andarna with her kind. His incompetence becomes evident early on in the quest, culminating in his fiery death during a trial run when Aura Beinhaven, startled while wielding her fire signet, accidentally ignites him. Grady’s fate unfolds swiftly amid chaos, leaving the remaining group to escape the inferno consuming the village.

6. Aura Beinhaven

Victim of a Wyvern

A cover image of Onyx Storm on an illustrated background of dragons and mountains — Custom image by Yailin Chacon

Aura Beinhaven steps into the role of Basgiath’s antagonist, vocally opposing the efforts of Aretian riot participants and their gryphon riders. Just as she appears to show signs of humanity after recognizing her role in Grady’s death, fate strikes her down. During the escape, a wyvern impales Aura, resulting in her demise. Although Violet and Xaden juggle their own survival, Aura’s tragic end resonates due to the anticipation of her redemption. Unless resurrected as a venin, her death appears final, underscored by the sorrowful cry of her dragon.

5. Captain Anna Winshire

Gruesome Death by Panthers

The cover of Onyx Storm with a blood-splattered blue background — Custom Image by Ana Nieves

Among the most shocking deaths in Onyx Storm is that of Captain Anna Winshire, a character who may not hold significant importance but whose brutal end leaves an indelible mark. Involved with Violet’s second quest team in the Isle Kingdoms, Captain Winshire meets a gruesome off-page fate at the hands of King Courtlyn, who presents her head on a platter before feeding it to his panthers. This moment stands out as a testament to the ruthless nature of Yarros’ world, reinforcing the grim reality the characters face.

4. Trager & Sila

Fallen During the Game on Zehyllna

The cover of Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros and a green forest background — Custom Image by Yeider Chacon

Upon their arrival at Zehyllna, known as the island of Fourth Wing’s god of luck, Violet and her companions initially celebrate a warm welcome, but this quickly turns ominous. Participants in a lethal game must accept unpredictable “gifts”from the god. Tragically, Trager meets his end when he is shot by an arrow as his gift, his passing leaving a profound impact, particularly due to his burgeoning relationship with Cat. As sidekicks to gryphons, Sila also falls soon after, emphasizing the steep cost of their visit.

3. Queen Mary

Death During the Fall of Suniva

The covers of Onyx Storm, Fourth Wing, and Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros within a golden frame — Custom Image by Yeider Chacon

Although readers do not witness Queen Maraya’s demise, news of her death reaches Violet and her party upon their return from the Isle Kingdoms. Colonel Aetos reveals this devastating information, implying Cat’s ascension to the throne is near, eventually confirming the queen’s passing during the fall of Suniva, thanks to the venin’s assault. Her absence introduces significant political implications with Viscount Tecarus assuming kingship over Poromiel, a development likely to be pivotal in the series’ future installments.

2. Theophanie

Elimination with a Temple Shard

Theophanie emerges as a formidable adversary in Onyx Storm. However, Violet, with assistance from Aaric, ultimately overcomes her during the closing chapters. Following a battle fraught with peril, Violet discovers Aaric’s strategic note and a shard from Dunne’s temple, recognizing that the only way to defeat Theophanie—a former priestess turned antagonist—is to stab her with it. Timing her strike to coincide with Xaden’s shadows enveloping the surroundings, Violet successfully neutralizes Theophanie’s threat.

1. Quinn Hollis

Stabbed by a Venin

Onyx Storm book cover on smoky background — Custom Image by Yeider Chacon

The most emotional death in Onyx Storm occurs during a chapter centered on Imogen’s viewpoint, revealing her heart-wrenching farewell to her closest friend, Quinn. Amid the turmoil of the climactic battle, Quinn endeavors to protect innocents caught amidst the chaos. Tragically, during an encounter in a tower, a venin fatally stabs her. Quinn’s demise, occurring in Imogen’s arms, imbues the moment with profound sadness, signaling her irreplaceable absence in the forthcoming narratives of the Empyrean Series and leaving an emotional scar on Imogen.

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